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This list contains links to free public inmate search sites in the various State Department of Correction websites and some counties within the states. The county sites listed are only those counties that will provide you with a photo.

The federal government has a new tool to stop people from being scammed during the recession. The Federal Trade Commission launched a new Web site called Money Matters that they hope will help the public avoid bogus companies. "For the most part, fraud preys on consumers not knowing what is going on and not understanding what is happening. So, if we can get the consumer educated, it is much harder for the bad guys to convince the consumer to fork over their money." The site is filled with tips and warning signs for consumers about scams. The FTC especially wants people to be aware of businesses who promise to help homeowners from foreclosure. The Web site has information on scams, credit cards, managing money, dealing with debt and individuals jobs. Go to www.wsmv.com/money/19517720/detail.html.

SATGIN provides the only secure networking platform for the communication and sharing of SATG intelligence between law enforcement officers throughout
North America at no cost to the officers or their agencies.

The National Fraud Information Center/Internet Fraud Watch, operated by the nonprofit National Consumers League in Washington, DC, supplies law enforcement agencies with reports taken directly from consumers about suspected telemarketing and Internet fraud. This free fraud alert system transmits information automatically based on agencies' pre-set specifications (geographic location of victims and perpetrators and other jurisdictional parameters). A daily log shows other agencies that have received the same consumers' reports and contact information for those investigators. There is no obligation to take specific action on consumers' complaints. For more information, contact Noelle Nachtsheim, (202) 835-0618. Two more sites connected with the National Consumers League are: www.fraud.org and www.fakechecks.org

The National Construction Investigators Association, Inc., was formed in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1993 as an organization dedicated to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the general public, especially our senior citizens, while striving to educate and regulate the construction industry. As the transient criminal element continues to conduct their fraud schemes, thefts, and deceptive practices across the nation, the need for interaction and communication between investigators and prosecutors of different jurisdictions grows to even greater importance. Mutual cooperation and information sharing between those responsible for the investigation and prosecution of construction crimes and related fraud schemes supports enhanced levels of in-depth investigation and more effective prosecutions.

The U.S. DOT safer website can be used to verify DOT numbers on trucks. Click on "company snapshot" at the top of the center column, you can search by company name or DOT number. Beginning in January 2009, All commercial vehicles over 10,000 lbs must have and display their US DOT number on the vehicles.

Fight Fraud America, Inc, (Leslie Kim of The John Cooke Fraud Reports) has developed a new web site at www.fightfraudamerica.com It's the most comprehensive public education fraud site on the Internet, plus there is plenty for investigators as well. Hint: Check out the TOOLBOX function. Leslie invites written contributions from NABI members.

Welfare Investigators of California Arizona Nevada (WICAN) (pronounced we can) is an association of Welfare Fraud Investigators from the three states. Membership has now expanded to Utah, New Mexico, and Colorado as well. The primary purpose is to aid in the discovery and prosecution of benefit fraud especially where the means of the fraud crosses state borders. The association provides a network of Investigators for assistance in cases in our own states and others. We meet quarterly to facilitate dialogue, training and liaison between agencies. The current President of WICAN is Deputy Chief David E. Dent of the Office of Special Investigations for the Arizona Department of Economic Security. The address is 2721 N. 4th St., Ste. 23, Flagstaff, AZ. 86004. Telephone # 928-774-5236, Fax 928-774-1889, E-mail ddent@azdes.gov.

IDENTITY THEFT

Protecting your personal information can help reduce your risk of identity theft. There are four main ways to do it: know who you share information with; store and dispose of your personal information securely, especially your Social Security number; ask questions before deciding to share your personal information; and maintain appropriate security on your computers and other electronic devices. Here's how you can do it.

According to the North Carolina Department of Justice, more than 11 million people find themselves victims of identity theft each year. Identity thieves costs businesses billions of dollars, and targeted individuals often lose thousands of dollars as predators use stolen information to open credit cards, buy various items, seek medical treatment, and commit greater crimes. These thieves do more than just steal credit card numbers and rack up charges; they can steal your name and your social security number too. Once an identity thief gets ahold of and uses your information, you could quickly find yourself in a huge personal, financial, and legal mess. Read on for advice on how to protect yourself from would-be identity thieves. Here's a guide to fighting identity theft.

As you are probably aware, identity theft is on the rise and each year millions of people become victims of the crime. A group of 14-16 year old kids who were concerned with identity theft, and with assistance from some local business owners prepared an excellent guide on prevention and what to do if you are a victim.

INTERNET SCHEMES AND MORE

The FBI has joined the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the online job search company Monster Worldwide, and other partners in launching a new website - LooksTooGoodToBeTrue.com to educate the public about Internet schemes and to provide a central place for consumers to file complaints.

The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) - Cyber Crime - Internet Fraud. Online reports can be made at www.ic3.gov. The IC3 provides statistical and crime analysis to law enforcement agencies regarding Internet Crimes. These type cases are normally investigated where suspects reside due to multiple victims located worldwide.

The Colorado Welfare Fraud Council (CWFC) is a non profit statewide organization comprised of city, county, state, and federal employees who work with the various public assistance programs available to people in Colorado. Our primary goal is to provide information and fraud training to (1) those who are involved in administering benefits programs, (2) those that approve benefits for recipients, and (3) those charged with investigating improper or fraudulent receipt of benefits. The CWFC committee members, officers, and Board of Directors are all volunteers who give of their time to achieve the goals and objectives of the organization. This organization exists because of the perseverance of concerned and dedicated workers who want to make a difference and an improvement in the public assistance programs of Colorado.